Andes to Amazon Adventure

Go On An Andean Adventure

Combine a classical Peru experience, unearthing the secrets of the Incas, with a 4-day encompassing Amazon River cruise adventure.

After discovering the delights of Lima, where your Peruvian adventure begins, immerse yourself in the ancient civilizations native to the Andes Mountains, exploring the best of the Sacred Valley and the fabled Machu Picchu. A wildlife-fuelled river cruise follows, sailing through the tributaries of the Amazon into the beating heart of the rainforest.  

Highlights

• Explore the historical sites of captivating Lima 
• Discover the world of the Incas in the Sacred Valley
• Journey through the Andean Mountains on a scenic train ride
• Explore iconic Machu Picchu with an expert guide
• Embark on a 4-day river cruise through the Amazon 

Quick Itinerary

Days 1 & 2 – Lima
Day 3 – Sacred Valley 
Day 4 – Machu Picchu
Day 5 – Cusco 
Day 6 - Lima
Days 7 - 9 – Amazon River Cruise on La Perla
Day 10 – Disembark Amazon cruise - Lima
Day 11 – Depart Lima 
Day 12 – Arrive back in the UK

Truly Individual Holiday

Any element of this holiday can be tailormade to your requirements, including the places you want to see and the things that are important to you. Just contact one of our Travel Specialists today.

Days 1 & 2 - Lima

Arrive in Peru’s capital and transfer to your centrally located hotel. A complex and sophisticated city, Lima is shrouded in history and a guided tour, on your second day, will unveil its captivating charms. Explore the historic centre, the viceregal mansions of the Pueblo Libre district and the grandiose colonial architecture of the downtown area. Visit the renowned Larco Museum, which beautifully showcases a fine collection of pre-Hispanic textiles, gold and priceless ceramics, as well as Casa Aliaga, a remarkably preserved, ornately decorated colonial mansion.

After the tour, transfer to the airport for an early evening flight to Cusco, the gateway to the Sacred Valley where you will spend the next two nights. 

Day 3 - Sacred Valley

A day to explore the peaceful sacred corner of the Andes, visiting rural towns and unearthing the mysteries of ancient civilizations. Visit Chinchero, the inhabitants of which preserve the culture of the Incas via traditional attire and practising ancient customs. Make a short trip to the Living Museum of Yucay where Andean traditions are perfectly demonstrated through elaborate textile, pottery and silverware work, and continue to the Ollantaytambo fortress. Set beautifully against the scenic backdrop of the valley, where wild llamas and alpacas roam freely, these impressive terraced ruins are the site of one of the last Inca strongholds against the Spanish conquistadors.

Day 4 - Machu Picchu

Leave the Sacred Valley behind in the direction of Peru’s most iconic landmark. To reach Machu Picchu you will embark on one of the world’s most beautiful train rides, boarding the Vistadome which climbs through the mesmerising Andean mountains to Aguas Calientes, displaying unparalleled scenic vistas along the way. On arrival, an encompassing tour of the Lost City of the Incas awaits. 

Overnight in Aguas Calientes.

Day 5 - Cusco

Return to Machu Picchu this morning for further exploration (unguided). We recommended visiting the Intipunku ("Sun Gate"), the last stop before entering the Inca sanctuary, or the Inca Bridge, woven from vegetable fibres or straw using ancient techniques. In the afternoon take the train to Cusco for a stay in a centrally located hotel. 

Day 6 - Lima

Explore Cusco on a morning tour, visiting the key sites of the former capital of the Inca Empire. Stroll through the cobbled streets lined with baroque churches and Inca-era temples and take in the palpable Andean ambience of the city. See Coricancha, the most important Inca temple which lies at the base of the intricate Santa Domingo Convent and visit the imposing Cathedral in the main square. Finally,  head into the hills to Sacsayhuaman, a magnificent fortress with exceptional views of Cusco. 

Fly back to Lima and stay overnight in a hotel close to the airport. 

Day 7 - Iquitos

Today marks the start of your Amazon cruise adventure. Fly to Iquitos where you will be met and taken for your orientation and introduced to your expert guides along with your fellow travelling companions. Head to the town of Nauta, the historical port where you will board La Perla and begin your cruise by sailing down the Marañon River to the confluence of the Marañon and Ucayali Rivers, where the Amazon River begins.

Days 8 & 9 - Amazon River Cruise

Rise early to the dawn chorus of water-dwelling river birds and head to the Communal Reserve of Yanayacu de Yacapana. Observe the parrots and macaws which fill the bushy treetops, cohabiting with playful monkeys swinging from the canopies and languid sloths clinging to the branches. It is entirely possible that your vessel will be followed by curious pink dolphins completing a memorable morning wildlife experience. The afternoon will be spent on a walking excursion through the tropical jungle with an optional night-time excursion to observe the nocturnal creatures of the rainforest. 

The next day it's another early start to see the wildlife at its most active. Sailing along the Black Yarapa River, your naturalist guides will help you spot squirrel & woolly monkeys, black-collared hawks and kingfishers as you head towards the Piranha Creek, a tributary of the Pacaya and Pacaya Samiria National Reserves. The afternoon is spent learning about medicinal plants and searching for insects, tarantulas and frogs on a jungle walk which serves to impact a better understanding of the flora and fauna of the Amazon. 

Day 10 - Lima  

As you make your way back to Nauta, stop at the Amazon Rescue Centre where biologists and volunteers help to reintegrate manatees and other aquatic mammals that have been saved from illegal trafficking, back into the wild. 

Disembark your cruise at Nauta before returning to Iquitos airport for your flight back to Lima.

Day 11 - Depart Lima

You will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight. 

Day 12 - Arrive back in the UK

Today you will land back in the UK from Peru

Price from £4,699 per person

(Valid for 2024 departures, based on 2 people sharing a room. La Perla cruise departs Wednesdays and Sundays) 

Includes:

• International flights

• 10 nights’ accommodation 

• 18 meals: 10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

• Half-day city tours of Lima and Cusco 

• Full-day tour of the Sacred Valley

• Return journey to Machu Picchu on the Vistadome train

• Two visits to Machu Picchu with one guided

• 4-day river cruise onboard La Perla

• Transfers and domestic flights as per itinerary

Excludes:

• Local departure taxes payable locally

• Items of a personal nature such as laundry and drinks etc

• Tips for guides and drivers (discretionary)

• Camera or video fees at any sites